Ireland National Competition Highlights

Rookie program showcases a year of big achievements

Dublin, Ireland – Marking its second national competition since its inception in 2011, Enactus Ireland demonstrated during the event that great impact can be made in short time frames.

“I am delighted to see this program grow …the students this year have once again shown tremendous talent and understating of social need and challenges their projects set out to address,” said Enactus Ireland Chairman Terence O’Rourke

O’Rourke along with Olympic Boxing Champion Katie Taylor named Dublin City University this year’s National Champion. The team stood out for a project that helped people with intellectual disabilities explore their artistic and creative qualities, as well as an initiative that developed a socially conscious clothing line in collaboration with Irish charity AkiDwA.

Other projects showcased by competing teams included an effort that highlighted the importance of fire safety and recycling through a kerosene alternative firelighter; a food redistribution initiative aimed at fighting food waste and poverty; and a lunch business that is helping individuals with mental health difficulties transition into the workplace.

In addition to showcasing a year of great community outreach projects, the event was highlighted by Katie Taylor’s attendance and keynote speech. Considered one of one of Ireland’s most inspiring athletes, she won gold for Ireland at the London 2012 Olympics. In her speech she reminded students that everyone is born for greatness and that the only way to achieve success is through hard work and dedication.

“I’m so impressed by these students who have worked so hard to bring about real and lasting change in their communities, that’s the real spirit of Enactus” – Katie Taylor

Also making this year’s event a success were leading business sponsors, including KPMG, AIG, Arthur Cox, Enterprise Rent-A-Car, KBC Bank Ireland, Musgrave Group, The Ireland Funds, Unilever Communications and Venue Partners, Gibeny Communications, The Irish Times and Chartered Accountants Ireland.

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